A shortage of maths and science teachers at a Queensland high school has exposed the growing crisis facing schools in STEM subject areas. It has also reignited debate among academics and professional bodies about what can be done to attract ...
More »Five reasons why science fiction writing is now a critical genre: Opinion
The science fiction writing genre has never been more critical for students to master in their pursuit of academic success. In fact, the increasingly relevant part that science fiction plays in our lives has been emphasised by the director of ...
More »Three new regional schools gain STEM Academy under school partnership program
Three schools in the Illawarra region of NSW will now have their own academy of STEM excellence under the NSW Department of Education’s STEM Industry School Partnerships (SISP) Program. The Illawarra Academy will be based at three local high schools ...
More »Gender imbalance in maths threatens pandemic recovery and future crisis response
The Australian Mathematical Science Institute’s (AMSI) latest report argues that gender inequity and imbalance will jeopardise the nation’s intellectual capability, compromising both post-coronavirus recovery and future responses to pandemics. The report coincides with the 2020 International Women in Mathematics Day, ...
More »How thousands of Australian students are being taught STEM subjects by ‘out-of-field’ teachers
For years now STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines have been hailed as the key to making Australia an innovation nation. But, as a recent report by the University of Sydney and Monash University shows, issues of educational expertise ...
More »Astrobiology study helps emphasise the creative side of science: video
Drawing on a recent research report, Hidden in the Figures: What Students Are Telling Us About the Effectiveness of Astrobiology Outreach, PhD candidate and research assistant Isabelle Kinglsey explains in this video how students' understanding of the nature of science ...
More »Astrobiology study challenges students’ appreciation of the ‘nature of science’
UNSW researchers who surveyed students exposed to astrobiology have found that it instilled them with a better understanding of the true nature of science, which includes imagination and creativity. The results were collected during the Mission to Mars program at ...
More »‘Our kids will be left behind’: Academy responds to disappointing maths and science results
The Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering is deeply concerned about this year’s maths and science results in PISA, saying they are the lowest on record. The academy echoes PISA national project manager Sue Thompson’s sentiments, saying “we are not ...
More »Podcast: News just in – maths teacher shortage hits crisis point in Vic
A major story that emerged today appeared in The Age and is related to an earlier story we wrote on a maths teacher shortage in Australia. According to the article, far too many secondary school teachers who are unqualified to ...
More »Teachers drone on in the classroom
An environmental scientist is encouraging schools to consider introducing drones to the classroom. Speaking ahead of the Independent Schools Queensland State Forum, Dr Catherine Ball said drone technology is becoming more accessible and user-friendly and added its potential for schools ...
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